Page 51 of Tiki Hut Tragedy
“No, but Brody told me about it when I stopped by there a few minutes ago,” Danielle said. “Theyargued over a slot machine. He said it wasn’t serious, and he didn’t think it escalated to the point Wendy would’ve been angry enough to kill Dixie.”
“Unless something else happened later, after the casino incident and Wendy snapped.” Millie shut her laptop. “I need to head home. Nic invited me to dinner.”
Danielle let loose a flirty whistle. “A romantic dinner for two?”
“I don’t want to be late.”
Falling into step, they crossed through the theater and parted ways in the corridor. Reaching the bridge, Millie lingered in the doorway, the stress of the day melting away.
The quiet hum of the navigational equipment, the low lights and soft voices were a welcome respite. It was a special time of the day…when evening faded and she could slow down.
Millie thrived in the hustle and bustle, but she also craved the quiet of the evenings, when thestars came out, brilliant and bright in the night sky, far away from the city lights.
She was drawn to the wall of windows. Staff Captain Vitale stood nearby. He shot her a quick glance. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“God’s creation,” Millie sighed. “I love nights at sea when it feels like we’re the only ones on the planet, so peaceful and calm.”
“Like another world,” Vitale said. “Nic left a few minutes ago.”
“He’s home waiting for me.” Millie wished him an uneventful shift and crossed the bridge. She slid her keycard in the slot and eased the door open.
A whoosh of warm air flooded the hallway, which meant their balcony slider was open. She kicked her shoes off and hurried down the hall. Millie started toward the balcony when she noticed a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses sitting on the dining room table with a note propped up against them.
She admired the roses while reaching for the note. It was identical to her romantic dinner invitation.To my love.She pulled the single slip of paper from the envelope.
The flowers are for my beautiful wife…the love of my life.She flipped it over.Another gift is waiting for you in the kitchen.
Millie stepped into the kitchen and found a box of La Maison chocolates with another note sitting on top.
Chocolates for the sweetest person I know.She flipped it over.Another special surprise is waiting for you in the living room.
Millie pressed the note to her chest. Nic…the busiest person on board the ship, had taken the time to make their date night magical. And her heart burst with love for her soulmate, the man who had swept her off her feet.
Carefully placing it back on top of the box, she made her way into the living room. Soft musicplayed in the background, and the smell of jasmine wafted in the air.
Sitting on top of the coffee table was a third note. Inside was a certificate for a couple’s massage. Along with the note was a card, a little ditty about two ships in the night, and it reminded her how she and Nic often teased each other about being two ships passing in the night. At the bottom, he’d drawn a heart and written,Meet me on the balcony.
Millie put the card back where she had found it.
Yip.Scout scampered across the room.
“There’s my Scout.” Millie bent down to greet him, noticing a miniature bow tie tied around his neck. Clipped to it was another note. “Nic even got you in on the romantic date night.”
She unclipped the note and read it aloud.Dinner is served.
Nic, wearing a pair of fitted jeans and a silky shirt, appeared in the doorway. As he drew closer, she caught a whiff of his cologne, one of herfavorites. Their eyes met, and Millie’s heart pitter-pattered.
He handed her a single long-stemmed rose. “Welcome home.”
“And what a welcome it is.” Millie melted into his arms, lifting her gaze. As if in slow motion, he lowered his head, capturing her lips in a long, lingering kiss.
All thoughts of work, of her hectic schedule and aching feet, vanished. It was only Nic and Millie, a moment frozen in time. Finally, she pulled away, breathless. “Thank you for the most romantic date night I can remember in a long time.”
“It was long overdue.” Nic caressed her cheek, his eyes filled with love. He tilted his head. “They’re playing our song. May I have this dance?”
Millie wrapped her arms around his neck. “For the rest of my life.”
The couple swayed to the music, moving in a slow circle. She closed her eyes, breathing in themagic of the moment. Right then and there, Millie fell in love with Nic all over again.
